A Few Words About Rituparno Ghosh & A Few Film About LGBTQIA

They laughed at how he talked, how he walked, how he dressed. He did not care, he kept on doing what he did best- telling stories. He told stories that touched hearts, enriching souls. His stories through his movies carried layers of human emotions that left a mark on the audience. The critics of his " Being different" were silenced. Through his art, he pulled the Bengali movie loving audience back to theatres. Rituparno Ghosh whom we lost in 2013, had given us some fantastic films. Before his death, in a career spanning almost 25 years his movies had spoken of people, relationships, broken hearts. He had also made movies on book adaptations. We just wish we could get him around more, for such authentic storytelling. Not only movies, his sense of style, his activism for LGBTQIA community, his clear cut thoughts and opinions have made him one of the pioneers in Bengali Film Industry, to speak the truth with an open mind. He often appeared to be bitter, a bit serious, but we now can feel the amount of humiliation and mockery he might have faced in his life, just for being himself. However, his craft had spoken for him. Today, while we celebrate Pride month, as a tribute to this legendary filmmaker, we have enlisted a few Bengali films that highlights the topic of LGBTQIA.

1. Chitrangada ( The Crowning Wish): Released in 2012, the film raised question on the fundamental rights of gay couples, of adopting and co-parenting a child. A beautiful and passionate love story, that not only deeply delve into same sex relationships and the social stigma around that, but also puts forth the many issues they face while navigating their fundamental rights. 

Directed by Ghosh, the film has him and Jisshu Sengupta in the lead.

2. Arekti Premer Golpo: This film, directed by Kaushik Ganguly explores the life of Chapal Bhaduri, a male artist, who had impersonated in theatre as a female for many years. The story focuses on a movie been made on his life, his love affairs and professional downfall, as real women took over the stage.

Rituparno Ghosh showed us, he was not only a great filmmaker but an excellent actor, with his performance as the lead character. It also stars Indraneil Sengupta, as Chapal Rani's love interest.

3. Nagarkirtan: For me it is one of the best tragic love stories been told in a Bengali film. Starting from the heartwarming story, to the lead actors Ritwik Chakrovarty and Riddhi Sen's performance and incredible chemistry, the film is simply unparalleled. The silence, pauses, their tender touches, the exchanges of looks- a true romance has been shown weaving in every scene. I had written a lot about this film earlier also, as I have this annoying habit of talking about those films non-stop, that I love watching.

There are a few more Bengali films, which has shown glimpses of LGBTQIA, like Neel Nirjone and Jara Brishtite Bhijechilo.

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